Belgrade's ecological problems: How to balance intensive construction and environment?

In recent years, Belgrade has been changing faster than ever before.

It seems that in every part of the city, new residential and commercial buildings are springing up — a reflection of growing demand for real estate, rising investments, and a dynamic market. This expansion brings economic momentum, but also raises the question: how can we ensure that construction follows the principles of sustainable urban development without compromising citizens’ quality of life?

Legal framework exists, but…

According to Serbia’s current Law on Planning and Construction, city development must be carried out through clearly defined plans and regulations. These include preserving green areas, protecting cultural heritage, controlling traffic load, and conducting mandatory environmental impact assessments for larger projects.

However, the pace of construction and economic interests do not always align with urban planning regulations. Without thorough public review and professional analysis, the consequences are clear: fewer green spaces, traffic congestion, air pollution, and — an overall decline in quality of life.

Loss of greenery and climate impact

Green areas are not just pleasant decoration or recreational spaces; they play an essential role in the urban ecosystem: lowering summer temperatures and allowing plants to absorb part of the air pollution. That’s why removing trees and greenery without timely and adequate replacement contributes to the urban heat island effect. The law prescribes minimum green surface percentages per plot, but in practice, these standards are often overlooked.

Construction must match the city’s capacity

Urban plans should provide optimal solutions for traffic, utilities, parking, and public facilities.
Every new building brings new residents or employees, along with additional pressure on infrastructure. If new neighborhoods lack parking, public transport, schools, or kindergartens, the burden shifts onto the city’s existing capacities, resulting in traffic jams, longer commutes, and resident dissatisfaction. This creates an environment where daily functioning becomes increasingly difficult, with a fast pace of life that feels overwhelming.

Sustainable building — a market advantage, not just an obligation

More and more homebuyers value not only square footage but also the lifestyle tied to a particular address.

Comfortable living means a peaceful and quiet environment, protected from traffic noise and pollution, while remaining well-connected to key city areas. 

Within the trend of sustainable construction, building projects with high energy efficiency, natural materials, and significant green areas are gaining increasing attention. Investors who incorporate green technologies, energy-efficient systems, and carefully plan infrastructure not only meet legal standards but also deliver products with greater market value and appeal.

The market is slowly recognizing the value of green building

Although investors may see it as an extra cost, eco-friendly construction is a long-term market advantage. After all, who would want to live and invest in an overcrowded, polluted city?

Belgrade still has enough space to balance economic growth and environmental protection. Sustainable construction is not “a luxury of wealthy countries,” but a prerequisite for a city to remain healthy, functional, and livable.

In the City Expert new-build portfolio, there are already many projects that embrace green principles, and many more attractive developments are on the way, as the market begins to respond to the needs of modern buyers and strives to align with international ecological standards. We believe that through joint effort, awareness can be raised on these issues, and each new “green” building will contribute to creating a healthier and more pleasant environment for all of us.